Cops have launched a murder investigation over the disappearance of Kilburn man Robert Duff five years ago – and arrested two men in Archway.

Robert Duff has not been seen or heard from since January 12, 2013. Picture: Met Police

Robert, 42, has not been seen or heard from since January 12, 2013, when he failed to attend a family celebration for his daughter’s 18th birthday.

New information came to light in a recent Met appeal that led to the murder investigation launching. Yesterday, two men, aged 70 and 51, were arrested on suspicion of murder in Archway.

They have since been released as the police investigation continues.

Robert was known to frequent the Islington, Holloway, Camden and Kentish Town areas.

Det Ch Insp Luke Marks, who is leading the investigation, said: “It has been over five years since Robert’s family have seen or heard from him. Each day they had have had to carry on without knowing what happened to him.

“Today I am making an appeal for information regarding Robert’s disappearance in January 2013. I would encourage members of the public with information to come forward. We are now acting on new evidence, which has meant the case has developed from a missing persons to a murder inquiry. This information has also led to two arrests, but our efforts to seek new information and evidence will not stop.

A CCTV still of Robert Duff shortly before his disappearance in 2013. Picture: Met Police

“I’m appealing to the public once again to come forward and help us further develop our enquiries. I urge anyone who saw or heard from Mr Robert Duff on January 12, 2013 to come forward and share what they know. It may seem like nothing to you, but it might be the information we need to complete the picture.

“After over five years with no news, Mr Duff’s family are desperate to find out what happened to him, and we will continue to work tirelessly until they do to establish the truth.”

Helen Duff, Robert’s mother, added: “Robert’s disappearance has always been forefront in our minds, and although we have always suspected that he may have come to some harm, there has always been the hope that he would return to us one day.

“Since hearing that this is now a murder investigation, that hope has been taken away from us and as a family, we are devastated. Our only wish now is that Robert is returned to us and so we can grieve together.”

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